Anaesthetics

Anaesthetics are medicines that reduce pain or temporarily block sensation. A basic distinction is made between topical agents and systemically administered agents. Local anaesthetics may be applied to the skin or mucous membranes or used in medical settings; injectable or otherwise systemically acting medicines belong in the hands of medical professionals. For laypeople, the effects, dosage and side effects are often not reliably predictable.

In a BDSM context, the important point is that anaesthetics are not a normal or safe BDSM practice. Numbing parts of the body can prevent pain from acting as an important warning signal, which greatly increases the risk of injury. Medicines such as procain or other anaesthetic substances must not be administered by unauthorised persons; this is a medical and legal matter with potentially serious consequences. If numbness is needed or pain is present, medical help should be sought rather than using such substances in play.